This is the 1/72 scale Heller/Humbrol Super Constellation, completed as an L-1049H-82. This particular Constellation (Dutch registration PH-LKN) was entered into service in 1958 as one of 23 Super Constellations at KLM, and one of only three “H” model Connies in the fleet, configured as a “combi” for passenger and cargo carriage. She was christened the “Hermannus Boerhaave”, and could seat 112 when fully configured for passenger carriage. Sometime prior to her retirement from KLM in 1962, she underwent a livery design change, emerging in the later KLM Constellation livery of dark blue stripes over and under her windows. Following retirement, she flew for World Airways, then Flying Tiger Line. She was damaged beyond repair as a result of a fueling accident on Kingman, Arizona, and ended her useful life as a gate guard at the Mojave County Airport there in 1971. Sadly, as has been the finish for most of these beauties, she was broken into scrap in 1975. This model has been a long labor of more than a year, but nonetheless a joy and learning process to finally complete. The additional aprts/pieces used in the kit are the Paul Fisher resin engines and props, Plus Models wheels, landing gear bays and doors, and brass photo etch parts, Dutch Decal cheat lines, livery, and registration decals, F-DCAL details, deicers, and tail "feathers," Vintage Flyer 3D windows, and various gauge copper wire for hydraulic lines and electrical cables, and scratch built antennae. Many thanks to my newly found Canadian friend “radioguy” for his much appreciated and treasured guidance, suggestions, and instructions from his own experience in Connie building…”school never stops!”

Is that kit reasonably available? I have considered looking for one of those for several years, since I saw one that won first place in Airliners at a Nordiccon several years ago.

Hi Don...

I'm certain you could find an available kit on eBay or some other forum/site that offers vintage kits for sale, but whether you find one at a reasonable cost may be another query. I bought mine many years ago, bought at a hobby shop for the going retail cost then; have no recollection as to what that cost was, but I would guess in the low $20s range. By the time I finisged building the kit, with all of the "extras" purchased for details, decals, PE parts, resin add-ons, etc., this kit was quite spendy. But then...in this hobby, who's counting???

You certainly captured the beauty of what I think is one of the most sensous and beautiful airplanes ever designed and built . Mighty darned Great Job ! ! ! T.B. P.S. I will have to look and see if she's available in paper . Those are usually larger than standard formats .

I have to update this post as well . Do any of you know about a cream product Called " Rub"N" Buff " I used it on a few aircraft with amazing results . You can buff till it shines so much you would swear it's metal ! . I experimented with a Y.B.49 Flying Wing and was truly surprised .If I can find it in the stash I will photo it and post later .

That is even more rotations up and down than I subjected any of my planes too . The 25 probably did that once during a volunteer disaster relief effort . Eighteen small airports ( FBOs ) in five days .

There were times I had wished for a restored civil aircraft and if I could've I would gone with a Connie . I did have a chance for a D.C.7C but passed . Too many un - scheduled repairs in her history .

Planes do require one thing , Constant Care . To para-phrase an old saw about boats .in the case of aircraft past ten years of age . "It's a hole in the sky into which you pour money " Like a boat being a hole in the water !

Anyway it was fun while it lasted . I can't even afford an half or full hour in a Cessna 182 now . Oh well , they's fun to look at anyway !